Who knew that the obscure film behind the legendary Art Ensemble of Chicago soundtrack would actually turn out to be worthy of their eclectic mix of free-jazz, classical and improvised sounds? Whatever you expect though from hearing the music, this film is unlikely to be it. Rather it’s a late (1970) example of the French new wave, where Goddard and Truffaut, were getting a little playful with the film form, employing curious techniques like jump cuts and crossing the line. It was directed by French based Israeli Moshe Mizrahi and is somewhat of a feminist tale, perhaps a warning to women, with a free spirit marrying a rather uptight suit, compromising her ideals and struggling to assume the roles expected of her. In one of the swinging 70’s scenes our heroine, her discontent growing, is seduced by the best friend of her husband. Appearing to succumb she asks him to strip naked then makes him look in the mirror at himself before ridiculing his advances. It’s punishing. Art Ensemble of Chicago actually appear, playing live in the film, with our heroine ducking out to see one of their shows, later waxing with one of the members about sex and relationships. The scene is clunky as hell yet there’s no doubt it is the presence of the Art Ensemble of Chicago that provides the biggest draw card to this film. Mizarhi has thrown convention out the window in the style of pieces he uses and also how he places them within scenes. A sudden burst of freeform percussive heavy meanderings are accompanied by peculiar stills of the the couple naked lying on each other, the camera movements perfectly in sync with the mayhem of the music. It’s simultaneously jarring and seductive, yet I can’t recall a film ever using music in such a curious way.
Extra Features:
The 1 minute 15 excerpt of the Art Ensemble playing live culled straight from the film. Also a 27 minute interview with Ensemble member Joseph Jarman who talks of the history of the Ensemble and the Paris years. There’s also a booklet with a text interview with Mizrahi as well as some background information on the film.
Bob Baker Fish
